AFRICAN CULTURE IN YEHBO DESIGNS
By Rita Okoye
The “Timeless Beauty” fashion show was nothing short of magical. Emmanuel Junior Yehbo, the creative genius behind Yehbo took the audience into a world where African culture and modern style blend effortlessly.
Established in 2019, Yehbo has become a symbol of African pride, offering designs that are bold, colourful, and deeply connected to the continent’s heritage. This event was a celebration of that legacy, with Ghanaian culture taking centre stage.
Who wouldn’t be mesmerised by such a beautiful collection?
The dresses were so good with captivating colours.
Traditional African fabrics, like Ankara, were transformed into modern beautiful clothing. The models are dressed in different designs that would leave a lasting impression.
Each piece tells a story, weaving together the old and the new, tradition and innovation.
The ability to mix cultural motifs with contemporary designs is stunning.
The bold prints, intricate details, and artful cuts spoke of a deep connection to his African roots, while also appealing to modern fashion lovers. The models carried the pieces with such poise and beauty each one seemed to be telling their own story of heritage and strength.
Truly, fashion captures the essence of culture.
Beyond the beauty of the clothes and fabrics, was something even better; his commitment to sustaining the culture and fashion styles was evident in his collection. Every piece in this collection was made with friendly materials sourced from across Africa.
This is more than a fashion, let’s call it a movement. Yehbo is changing how we think about style, he encourages us to not only look good but to make conscious choices about what we wear
It was more than just a display of beautiful clothing. Each piece reveals the African identity. Yehbo’s vision is clear:
African fashion is here to stay, and it’s only getting better!
The models all looked amazing and gorgeous. They were beautifully made.
Fashion in Africa is more than just a way of dressing It’s a living expression of the rich culture, history, and creativity. From the vibrant colours to the patterns, African fashion has always been bold and beautiful, telling stories that transcend fabric.
Her look was the perfect blend of simplicity. She wore a stunning long, sleeveless gown made from green Ankara fabric, with a little touch of red that added just a little different look to it. The dress has a slit, which adds even more beauty to the dress as she walked.
With her legs crossed and her hands resting on her lap, the model expressed confidence, her posture adding a sense of grace to the already captivating gown. Her short hair and light makeup allowed the dress to take centre stage, while her simple dark heels tied the whole look together.
What a breathtaking contrast!
Wearing a sleeveless gown as well, but this one had a different vibe and looks altogether. The top of her dress was a beautiful blend of blue and white Ankara, while the lower part was black with a touch of the same blue and white fabric from the top.
The way she posed leaning slightly backwards, hands clasped perfectly gave her an air of cool confidence that matched the chicness of the dress. With her short hair and light makeup, she was the epitome of understated beauty.
It was impossible not to marvel at how Yehbo managed to make traditional fabrics look so modern and fresh.
Could African fashion get any more beautiful than this?
But he isn’t done impressing us yet.
The third design spoke volumes about his creativity. The model’s look was great and it was clear that this gown was designed for someone who isn’t afraid to make a statement. She wore a short, flared gown made of brown Ankara, with a little touch of blue to break up the earthy tones. The armless design gave the dress a youthful feel, while the open back, held together by a rope around her neck, added a touch of daring elegance.
Her short hair and very light makeup made the entire show feel fresh, allowing the dress to shine. This kind of outfit can go daytime and night without missing any beat.
How did Yehbo manage to make something so simple feel so impactful?
At this point in time, it is quite clear that they are not just dresses but works of arts. Yehbo’s use of Ankara fabric was a way to showcase African traditions, but the way he crafted it into modern, stylish pieces was a celebration of progress.
He gave it light.
The first model’s poised gracefully like an angel, the second model’s cool confidence, and the third model’s elegance all highlighted the creativity in his designs.
They were outfits for people who want to stand out, who appreciate the beauty in simplicity but also crave something a little bit different.
The designs were not just on the models; they became a part of them.
Take a look at how the second model, came leaning back ever so slightly, folding her hands in front of her it was as though she was daring the audience to look closer, to see the intricate details of her dress, and the third model, with her playful stance and the way the skirt of her gown flared as she moved.
Who wouldn’t want to wear a piece of this beauty? Each design brought something special and different.
And isn’t that what fashion is all about? Making people feel special, confident, and proud of who they are?
Yehbo had managed to create a collection that honoured tradition while embracing modern ways of fashion and styles, blending the best of both worlds in a way that felt nice, and exciting.
From the patterns to the daring cuts and the way the fabrics flowed with each step, every detail was a show to his skill as a designer and his passion for African fashion. He had shown us that African fashion is not just about clothing. It is about identity, culture, and the stories we tell through what we wear.
What made everything here more fascinating is how he has consistently tried to commit and submit African’s culture and fashion styles. In a world where fashion has become a thing of competition, where trends come and go with the seasons, his beautiful made designs stood out as pieces that honoured both the environment and the people who created them as well.
Each garment was made from locally sourced, materials, supporting African and Nigerian cultures and promoting fashion as a whole.
Could there be a better way to celebrate African beauty and heritage?
With Yehbo at the stage, the future of African fashion looks brighter than ever.